Pakistan and New Zealand will be facing each other in the first game of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025. The PAK vs NZ game is scheduled to be played at the National Stadium in Karachi on Wednesday (February 19).
Both teams played two games against each other in the recently concluded ODI tri-series. And New Zealand beat Pakistan on both occasions. The Black Caps pretty much outplayed Pakistan in both games as they went on to win the tri-series that also featured South Africa.
In the first meeting between the two teams, New Zealand thrashed Pakistan by 78 runs. Both the teams then locked horns against each other in the final and New Zealand won that game by 5 wickets.
New Zealand are now eyeing another win over Pakistan while the latter will be keen to avenge those losses. As both the teams gear up for the tournament-opener of the Champions Trophy, here are all the predictions for the game.
PAK vs NZ Match Prediction: Who will win Match 1? ICC Champions Trophy 2025
Match Details
Match: PAK vs NZ, match 1
Date: February 19, 2025
Time: 02:30 PM IST
Venue: National Stadium, Karachi
Live streaming: JioStar
Live broadcast: Star Sports, Sports18
PAK vs NZ Match Prediction—Head-to-Head Record
Pakistan have a better overall head-to-head record against New Zealand in ODIs. Both the teams have played 118 ODIs so far and Pakistan have won 61 of them while New Zealand have managed to win 53.
While Pakistan have the overall PAK vs NZ head-to-head record on their side, New Zealand have the better record in recent games. Of the last 5 ODIs between the two sides, New Zealand have won 3 while Pakistan have won 2.
Total ODI Matches Played: 118
Pakistan Won: 61
New Zealand Won: 53
Last 5 Matches: Pakistan- 2 wins | New Zealand- 3 wins
Pitch Report & Conditions
Batting-Friendly: Batters are likely to get more assistance than the bowlers from the surface at the National Stadium in Karachi. The venue recently hosted two games during the ODI tri-series and in both the games, batsmen managed to make a bigger impact.
In the first game, South Africa posted a huge total of 352 runs only for Pakistan to chase it down. In the second game which was the final, Pakistan scored 242 runs and New Zealand chased it down with ease.
Average 1st Innings Score: 246 – The average first innings total at the venue is 246 runs. The recent games, however, have been high-scoring ones with teams scoring 300-plus totals regularly.
Chasing Record:
Chasing teams have maintained a slight advantage over teams batting first at the National Stadium. Of the 56 ODIs hosted by the venue so far, chasing teams have won 28 times while teams batting first have won 26 times.
Weather Report
The weather forecast has predicted a sunny day in Karachi when Pakistan and New Zealand take on each other in the first game of the Champions Trophy. The temperature will be hovering in the 20s throughout the game.
PAK vs NZ Match Prediction – Pakistan and New Zealand Probable XIs
Pakistan Playing 11:
Fakhar Zaman, Babar Azam, Saud Shakeel, Mohammad Rizwan (c & wk), Salman Agha, Tayyab Tahir, Khushdil Shah, Faheem Ashraf, Shaheen Afridi, Naseem Shah, Abrar Ahmed
New Zealand Playing 11:
Will Young, Devon Conway, Kane Williamson, Daryl Mitchell, Tom Latham (wk), Glenn Phillips, Michael Bracewell, Mitchell Santner (c), Nathan Smith, Jacob Duffy, William ORourke
Form and Fitness
New Zealand recently lost the services of Ben Sears who was ruled out of the Champions Trophy due to a hamstring injury. He has been replaced by Jacob Duffy in the squad.
New Zealand could also miss the services of their opening batsman Rachin Ravindra at least for the first game as he continues to recover after copping a blow on his forehead while fielding against Pakistan earlier this month.
Pakistan are also sweating on the fitness of Haris Rauf who was sidelined during the tri-series due to a side strain. Even though Rauf is in the Pakistan squad, he is likely to miss the game against New Zealand.
Score Prediction
| Team | 1st Innings | 2nd Innings |
| PAK | 280-290 | 240-250 |
| NZ | 330-340 | 290-300 |
PAK vs NZ Players to perform prediction
PAK: Fakhar Zaman, Mohammad Rizwan, Salman Agha, and Shaheen Afridi will be the key players for Pakistan.
NZ: Kane Williamson, Devon Conway, Daryl Mitchell, Mitchell Santner, and Glenn Phillips will be the key players for New Zealand.
PAK vs NZ Best Batsman Prediction
Who will score the most runs for PAK in the match: Mohammad Rizwan or Fakhar Zaman
Who will score the most runs for NZ in the match: Devon Conway or Kane Williamson
PAK vs NZ Best Bowler Prediction
Who will pick the most wickets for PAK in the match: Shaheen Afridi or Abrar Ahmed
Who will pick the most wickets for NZ in the match: Mitchell Santner or Matt Henry
Conclusion: Who will win the match?
The momentum is with New Zealand following their two wins over Pakistan in the tri-series. The Black Caps will start the upcoming game as favourites too and are expected to beat Pakistan.
